This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On August 27, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta expressed his reservations over the move by Jubilee Party to field a candidate in the upcoming Kibra by-election.
Despite opposition from Deputy President William Ruto, who insists on facing off with Raila Odinga in Kibra, Uhuru believes that Jubilee's involvement will raise political temperatures and tension between the two parties.
DP Ruto has issued his own list of aspirants and presented it to the IEBC for verification, despite Uhuru's hesitation.
The move is seen as part of Ruto's continued rivalry with Raila Odinga, whom he feels has taken his position in the government since the March 9th handshake.
For example, Ruto is opposed to the activities of the BBI Team, a joint task force set up by President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
Uhuru's hesitation is also seen as a sign of his attempt to maintain a truce with ODM, following the handshake between the two leaders.
Just like in Embakasi South and Ugenya by-elections, the ruling party had decided not to engage in any political competition with ODM.
